Blessings and Thankfulness

Psalm 106:1 says, “Praise the Lord! O give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever.” God remains faithful to us even when we so easily lose faith in Him; God’s love never fades. Truth be known, we have so much to be thankful for, and as is our custom in this country there is no better time to remember God’s faithfulness and give Him thanks than in November. We are reminded of this in the seasons of the year, and certainly the changing leaves bring us back to the constant works and care of God in creation.

Here at All Saints, giving thanks to God can be found in our worship on Sunday mornings. Max Lucado in “Grace for the Moment” says, “Worship is when you’re aware that what you’ve been given is far greater than what you can give… the half-glazed expression on the parched face of a desert pilgrim as he/she discovers that the oasis is not a mirage.” Each Sunday we take to heart the words of “The Great Thanksgiving” which bring our thankfulness into perspective. “It is right, and a good and joyful thing, always and everywhere to give thanks to you, Father Almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.” And we go on to affirm, “Therefore we praise you, joining our voices with Angels and Archangels and with all the company of heaven…”

With all the challenges and uncertainties of life that are set before us, we still give great thanks for the blessings God has bestowed upon us. We are to be reminded that our challenges could be worse. We pray for our neighbors at the Mormon Church on Western Avenue as they grieve the fire that destroyed their sanctuary this Thanksgiving week. It is a reminder of what is most important… remembering and examining the works of God in our lives and others. We must always pray and ask for guidance, as each of us has so much to offer to our church family and beyond. And although the ever-changing news-cycle and movements of life can be challenging, God is still the same; and God blesses and restores all of creation in His time.

So, wherever we find ourselves gathering on this Thanksgiving Day 2023, let us prayerfully reflect upon our faith, our blessings, and our church. Give thanks to the ONE and ONLY source of our existence. It is only through Him, Christ Jesus, that we have life, and in Him we have it abundantly!

God bless each of you my friends, and Happy Thanksgiving!

The Rev. Jamie Pahl
Rector
All Saints Church,
Chevy Chase